Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with tender pasta and succulent chicken. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight dinner, packed with delicious ingredients that everyone will love. This recipe combines ease and taste, making it an ideal choice for busy families.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect because it’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. You can use leftovers from a previous meal, like cooked chicken, which saves time in the kitchen. The garlic and cheese create a delightful aroma that fills your home and makes dinner feel special. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a hungry family or to impress guests without much effort.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is straightforward and fun! Just follow these simple steps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, heavy cream, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your cozy weeknight delight!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Serve this pasta bake hot from the oven for the best experience. You can pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic dish for potlucks and gatherings, where everyone can enjoy a hearty serving.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta bake will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Don’t skip the step of reserving some pasta water; it helps to create a creamy sauce.
- For extra flavor, you can add some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- If you like a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to make it even healthier. You could also switch up the cheeses or use different types of pasta depending on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just cook it separately, shred it, and then mix it into the pasta before baking.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream, or replace it with a plant-based cream.
3. How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at low heat until warmed through. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Enjoy making and sharing your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- 1 cup heavy cream You can replace with plant-based cream for a vegetarian option.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish Add as desired before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, heavy cream, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
